The Grove

Forest Park Southeast, known as The Grove, is one of St. Louis' most interesting and historic neighborhoods. Recently, Checkmate Design has helped to bring more then 60 properties into The Grove, most of them abandoned commercial buildings and vacant lots. Running contrary to the current condo craze, Checkmate has designed empty buildings as modern apartments.

BIRCH

4474 Arco Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Located in the heart of The Grove neighborhood, this once blighted storefront now features an office space on the first floor, and three, well-appointed apartments.The finished units feature central heating and air-conditioning, an eat-in kitchen with a dishwasher, large windows, and individual alarm systems.

Bonsai

4301 Arco Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This skillfully restored space features a mix of commercial and residential space. The first floor commercial space is home to a salon while the second floor is occupied by two, 2-bedroom apartments, both including deck space. Directly behind the main building is a second building that features a 2 story, 1-bedroom apartment.

Castle

1108 S. Boyle Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Arguably one of the most significant architectural landmarks in The Grove, this sprawling, goldbrick, mixed-use building has been transformed from a neglected blight into a prime retailer/bar space and eight, well appointed, 1- and 2- bedroom apartments.Finished units feature central heating and air-conditioning, stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, hardwood floors, and individual alarm systems.

Chouteau Lofts

4244 Chouteau., St. Louis, MO 63110

Formerly the home of B.C.S Moving and Storage Company, this property in one of many in The Grove that make up Checkmate's rehab projects. This nicely restored property includes twenty-two 1-bedroom apartments, and includes deck space.

Hickory

4317 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This once abandoned storefront now features a restaurant on the first floor and two, well appointed 2-bedroom apartments above. The finished units feature central heating and air conditioning, an eat-in kitchen with a dishwasher, large windows and individual alarm systems.

Olive

4501 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This property is one of many in The Grove that make up Checkmate's rehab projects. The first three bays of this restored commercial and living space house another addition to the The Grove's already flourishing bars and restaurants. The 4th bay provides a smaller retail space. Above the restaurant and commercial area are four 1-bedroom apartments.

PINE

4145 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Pine overlooks the newly reborn Manchester strip in The Grove and features central heating and A/C, dishwasher, hardwood flooring, deck space, and high ceilings. Directly downstairs is The Everest Café, The Grove's source for authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Sycamore

4400 Chouteau Ave./1011 S. Newstead Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This corner-lot, mixed-use commercial/residential building sat neglected before being rescued in 2005. The project now features two full-featured 1-bedroom apartments on the second floor, and spacious office space below, home to Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Office.